Thames Conservation Area Appraisal

January 2020 Adopted: XXXXXXXXX

Note: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this document but due to the complexity of conservation areas, it would be impossible to include every facet contributing to the area’s special interest. Therefore, the omission of any feature does not necessarily convey a lack of significance. The Council will continue to assess each development proposal on its own merits. As part of this process a more detailed and up to date assessment of a particular site and its context is undertaken. This may reveal additional considerations relating to character or appearance which may be of relevance to a particular case. THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 3 Contents

1. INTRODUCTION 5 4. PUBLIC REALM 32 Summary of Character 6 Trees 32 Location and Setting 7 Street Furniture 34 Archaeology 8 Street Surfacing 39 Views and Landmarks 40 2. TOWNSCAPE 9 Urban Form/Street Layout 9 5. NEGATIVE ELEMENTS AND Land Uses 11 OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENHANCEMENT 43 Green Space 13 Gaps 15 APPENDIX 1 47 Materials and Finishes 17 History Buildings Audit 18 APPENDIX 2 Historic England Guidance 55 APPENDIX 3 Relevant Local Plan Policies 56 3. ARCHITECTURE 20 Bridges 20 Albert Bridge 20 Battersea Bridge 22 Chelsea Bridge 24 River Wall and Chelsea Embankment 26 Other Buildings 28 Boundary Treatments 30 4 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

This page has been intentionally left blank THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 5 1 Introduction What does a conservation area designation 1.3 This document has been produced using mean? the guidance set out by Historic England in their document, Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management: Historic England 1.1 The statutory definition of a conservation Advice Note 1 (2016). This appraisal will be a area is an “area of special architectural or historic material consideration when assessing planning interest, the character or appearance of which it applications. is desirable to preserve or enhance”. The power to designate conservation areas is given to councils through the Planning (Listed Buildings Purpose of this document and Conservations Areas) Act, 1990 (Sections 69 to 78). Once designated, proposals within 1.4 The aims of this appraisal are to: a conservation area become subject to local • describe the historic and architectural conservation policies set out in Chapter 34 of character and appearance of the area which the Council’s Local Plan and national policies will assist applicants in making successful outlined in part 12 of the National Planning Policy planning applications and decision makers Framework (NPPF). Our overarching duty which in assessing planning applications is set out in the Act is to preserve or enhance the • raise public interest and awareness of historic or architectural character or appearance the special character of their area of the conservation area. • identify the positive features which 1.2 A conservation area appraisal aims to should be conserved, as well as describe the special historic and architectural negative features which indicate character of an area. A conservation area’s scope for future enhancements character is defined by a combination of elements such as architecture, uses, materials and detailing as well as the relationship between buildings and their settings. Many other elements contribute to character and appearance such as the placement of buildings within their plots; views and vistas; the relationship between the street and the buildings and the presence of trees and green space. Thurloe/Smith'sThurloe/Smith's CharityCharity ConservationConservation AreaArea ChelseaChelsea ConservationConservation AreaArea

6 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL TheThe BoltonsBoltons RoyalRoyal HospitalHospital SummaryConservationConservation of CharacterAreaArea ConservationConservation AreaArea

ChelseaChelsea Park/CarlylePark/Carlyle ConservationConservation AreaArea

CheyneCheyne ConservationConservation AreaArea ThamesThames

1969ConservationConservation AreaArea Sloane/StanleySloane/Stanley ConservationConservation AreaArea

1980 Date of designation Boundary of Conservation Area Adjoining conservation area

LotsLots VillageVillage Royal Borough of ConservationConservation AreaArea Kensington and Chelsea boundary

Fig 1.1: Conservation area boundary map © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100021668

1.5 Thames Conservation Area was and Chelsea Creek, with piers, moorings embankment land are various statues and designated in 1981 and encompasses the and a wharf and of transport infrastructure important street furniture that contribute to the Royal Borough’s entire southern boundary on and adjacent public gardens and trees. The high urban quality, design and openness of the the River Thames. It stretches from the City of infrastructure includes the Chelsea, Albert area. The Thames Path has an important role as Westminster in the east, to the London Borough and Battersea bridges, the carriageway of a popular recreational walkway. of Hammersmith and Fulham in the west and Chelsea Embankment which covers the sewer to the centre of the river, which is the boundary beneath and its granite river walls and lamp 1.7 The importance of the Thames river to with the London Borough of Wandsworth. The standards. These structures are softened by London as a whole cannot be overemphasised. dominant built structures within the conservation the surrounding public gardens and treed It is a mighty, natural resource and the reason area are the Thames bridges and Chelsea areas of Embankment Gardens, Cremorne that the capital has evolved to where it has. It is Embankment. Gardens, the plane trees along the Embankment a key feature in itself as well as creating a sitting and the greenspaces at the foot of each for the south of the borough, the embankment 1.6 The character of the conservation bridge. Interspersed among the gardens and and all development along it. area comes from the riverside of the Thames THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 7 Location and Setting

Chelsea Queen’s Gate 1.8 The Thames Conservation Area is centred ConservationConservation AreaArea ConservationConservation AreaArea SloaneSloane SquareSquare on the river and is within Royal Hospital (SW3) ConservationConservation AreaArea and Chelsea Riverside (SW10) wards. It is City of Thurloe/Smith'sThurloe/Smith's CharityCharity surrounded by high quality townscape that is ConservationConservation AreaArea Westminster Chelsea within the adjacent conservation areas, Royal ConservationConservation AreaArea Hospital, Cheyne and Lots Village. It also abuts conservation areas within adjoining boroughs, such as Battersea Park Conservation Area in the TheThe BoltonsBoltons Conservation Area Conservation Area Chelsea Park/Carlyle Royal Hospital London Borough of Wandsworth. ConservationConservation AreaArea ConservationConservation AreaArea 1.9 On the north boundary from east to west are the Royal Hospital and its riverside grounds, red brick Arts and Crafts style mansions Cheyne and mansion flats built on land released for ConservationConservation AreaArea development through the building of Chelsea Thames Embankment, glimpses beyond its boundary Conservation Area railings of Chelsea Physic Garden, the built Sloane/StanleySloane/Stanley CConservationonservation Area form of the former village of Chelsea, including the old Parish Church, river frontage houses and Lots Road Pumping Station and the former Lots Road Power Station. The distinctive high London rise buildings of the World’s End estate are also Borough of dominant in views at the western end. LotsLots VillageVillage Wandsworth ConservationConservation AreaArea

1.10 This context gives the north-eastern 1.11 To the south-eastern boundary is the boundary of the conservation area a green and extensive riverside frontage of Battersea Park. leafy character with grand, dignified adjoining The trees of the park mirror the riverside plane buildings. At the north-western end, the trees within the Thames Conservation Area and adjoining buildings set an industrial character this reinforces the prevailing character of the and appearance with the pumping and power conservation area between Chelsea and Albert stations and a safeguarded industrial use wharf. Bridges of a lush green river frontage. 8 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL Archaeology

1.12 The whole conservation area lies within the Chelsea Riverside Archaeological Priority Area, a “tier 2” area defined by Historic England. It is one of the most archaeologically significant areas of the borough containing multi-phase archaeology dating from prehistoric times to industrial archaeology in the Chelsea Creek area. The riverine context can often mean that archaeological deposits can survive in a well- preserved state. The most spectacular find from this stretch of river is the Battersea Shield, dating to c.350 to 50 BC found in 1857 close to the site of the new Chelsea Bridge.

1.13 Chelsea is first mentioned in the Anglo- Saxon Chronicles in 785 AD and there is some evidence of a pre-Norman Conquest settlement. For instance, timbers found in the river west of Battersea Bridge date to the period 700-900 AD and appear to be a fish-trap. Prior to the building of Chelsea Bridge and Chelsea Embankment, Chelsea riverside encompassed a waterfront and foreshore with coal, hay and timber wharves and small riverside industries interspersed with the landscapes of aristocratic houses that stretched down to the riverfront. Interesting archaeological evidence of the area’s industrial heritage could also survive in the Chelsea Creek area.

1.14 More information can be found on Historic England’s website in their Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Archaeological Priority Area appraisal, August 2016. https://content. historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/planning/ apa-kensington-chelsea.pdf

Lindsey Wharf and Cremorne Road, photo by James Hedderly Reproduction thanks to RBKC Local Studies and Archives THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 9 2 Townscape Urban Form/Street Layout

2.1 The urban form is consistent from Chelsea Bridge to Battersea Bridge, being characterised by the river and river frontage, the largely straight line of Chelsea Embankment, the tree cover provided by the avenue of plane trees and surrounding greenspaces. Houses are visible beyond the boundary, but are set back behind the northern carriageway or behind Chelsea Embankment Gardens.

2.2 West of Battersea Bridge the urban form is markedly different and it is more reflective of the historic north bank character of the River Thames with the historic relationship of the connection between riverside houses and the river better preserved.

2.3 In terms of street layout, the conservation area is characterised by one major road, Chelsea Embankment, running across the width of the borough from Chelsea Bridge to Battersea Bridge at which point it terminates. To the west of Battersea Bridge, the road continues on the riverside following the natural curve of the river until reaching Cremorne Gardens, where it swings north. West of Cremorne Gardens, the conservation area boundary encompasses the river and riverside only.

Chelsea Embankment 10 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Primary road Secondary road District road Local road

Fig 2.1: Road hierarchy map © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100021668 THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 11 Land Uses

2.4 The predominant use within the area is transportation and travelling or movement, and some leisure uses. The movement is vehicular along the riverside road and across the bridges and by boat along the river, including the Transport for London public river boat service at Cadogan Pier. There is also pedestrian and cycling movement and on Cheyne Walk the pavement serves as an official shared route for bicycles and pedestrians.

2.5 Cremorne Riverside Centre provides canoeing and kayaking facilities for young people from a site within Cremorne Gardens. It has two purpose-built buildings and a slipway into the Thames.

2.6 The leisure character of the area is also manifested in the public gardens alongside Cremorne Riverside Centre Chelsea Embankment. Benches are provided within the gardens and on raised plinths on the pavement facing the river. The Thames Path trail from the source to the barrier in east London runs alongside the river, with the exception of the frontages at the pumping and power stations.

2.7 Residential use occurs in houseboats between Battersea Bridge and Cremorne Gardens. They are moored at 90 degrees to the riverbank with the houseboat bows facing into the river. At the Chelsea Yacht and Boat Company site adjacent to Cremorne Gardens there is a boatyard and dry dock facility and stock brick buildings.

2.8 Cadogan Pier extends to the east and west of Albert Bridge and has a range of moorings that are parallel to the river wall. The Benches on raised plinths, Chelsea Embankment Chelsea Embankment Gardens pier was used as part of the Diamond Jubilee flotilla 12 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Cadogan Pier THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 13 Green Space

2.9 Greenspaces within the conservation area make an essential contribution to its character and appearance, as do those outside the boundaries, such as Ranelagh Gardens, Royal Hospital South Grounds, Chelsea Physic Garden, Roper’s Gardens and Battersea Park.

2.10 Within the conservation area there are various parks and greenspaces, including the land at the foot of all three bridges and Chelsea Embankment Gardens on the far side of the road either side of Albert Bridge. The planting is informal shrubbery, trees and bedding. Chelsea Embankment Gardens also have areas of informal lawn. The embankment has an avenue of plane trees which are also present on the river side of Cheyne Walk.

2.11 The Chelsea Embankment trees and the greenspaces contribute a visual softening of the otherwise firm built form of the linear granite walled embankment and the surrounding buildings. It also mitigates the noisy near- constant road traffic by providing a soft barrier between vehicles and residents.

2.12 The other greenspace within the conservation area is Cremorne Gardens. This Council park has a grassed area, tree planting, bedding areas and shrubs and a parks office/depot building. The entrance way Cremorne Gardens is laid in granite setts. Cremorne Gardens was re-landscaped in 1981 and is a vestige of within the current gardens. The park has river Station and former warehouse buildings that line the original much larger Cremorne Pleasure piers and can be approached from the river. the river immediately upstream. It is an important Gardens that operated between 1845 and 1877. visual break and provides the only relaxing 2.13 Cremorne Gardens provides a visual greenspace within the conservation area that One set of the original wrought iron entrance counterbalance to the otherwise dominant and gates has been restored and set up as a feature is shielded from the heavy vehicular traffic of striking industrial architecture of the former Lots Chelsea Embankment and Cheyne Walk. Road Power Station and Lots Road Pumping 14 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

1. Chelsea Embankment Gardens 2. Albert Bridge Gardens 3. Cremorne Gardens 4. Battersea Bridge Gardens

1 2 1

2.14 There is an open character to the conservation area that comes from its position on the river. It also comes from the open character of the embankment structure that forms a barrier between the river and the houses of Chelsea, thus preventing built form appearing at the river’s edge.

2.15 West of Battersea Bridge there are residential houseboats in two groups of moorings with a gap between them. This allows a clear view of the river from Cheyne Walk and separates the line of large boats. This gap is important to the character and appearance of the conservation area giving visual access to the river at this western end.

Views of the River Thames, Battersea Bridge and beyond from Chelsea Embankment

Gap between groups of boat moorings 16 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

The open character of the embankment structure THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 17 Materials and Finishes

2.16 Materials used in the conservation area are predominantly natural such as granite and York stone, or traditional historic materials such as cast iron, steel and bronze.

2.17 Natural or traditional materials used in the conservation area include: • Stone

2.18 For the piers and cutwaters and abutments of the bridges • Granite: for Chelsea Embankment wall and in sett form within Cremorne Gardens • York stone: for some of the pavements • Brick: dark bricks in the river wall • Metal • Cast & wrought iron and steel: for the bridges, Granite Cast iron • Cast iron: the Chelsea Embankment lamp standards and bench ends. • Bronze: for the statuary in the public open spaces

Cast iron, wrought iron and steel Modern yellow and black brick 18 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL Buildings Audit

2.19 The buildings audit map shows the contribution made by buildings to the historic and architectural character of the area. For all buildings identified here as positive buildings, change must be managed to conserve and, where appropriate, enhance their significance in accordance with national and local planning policies. Where particular sites, buildings or additions to buildings are harmful or out of keeping with the broader character of the conservation area as outlined in this appraisal, the Council will support proposals and where possible, take opportunities to make improvements and enhancements in line with Policies CL1, CL2 and CL3 of the Local Plan. Listed Buildings 2.20 A listed building is a building designated by the Government on the advice of Historic England as a building of special architectural or historic interest, which local authorities have a statutory duty to preserve or enhance. Positive Buildings 2.21 These buildings make a positive contribution to the historic and architectural character and appearance of the conservation area. They are a key reason for the designation and significance of the conservation area. Neutral Buildings 2.22 These buildings may blend into the Chelsea Embankment river wall, grade II listed townscape by virtue of their form, scale or materials, but due to their level of design quality, Negative Buildings fail to make a positive contribution. 2.23 Negative buildings are those which are out of keeping with the prevailing character of the conservation area. THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 19

Grade II* Listed Grade II Listed

Fig 2.3: Buildings audit map © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100021668 20 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL 3 Architecture

View of Albert Bridge from Battersea Bridge View of Albert Bridge from Chelsea Embankment

as a pair enhance the architectural surroundings Bridges of the river, although Albert Bridge is particularly Albert Bridge elegant and picturesque. Their lighting schemes 3.1 The bridges across the Thames are a key pick out features of their design and enhance 3.4 This is the oldest surviving bridge of the feature of the conservation area. From east to their visual delicacy at night. three in the conservation area, built in 1873, west, they are Chelsea Bridge, Albert Bridge although it is not the oldest crossing point. The Common features of the three bridges and Battersea Bridge. All three are within both 3.3 bridge was repainted and a new lighting scheme are lamp standards, decorative elements such Kensington and Chelsea (centre of river to north installed at the beginning of the 21st century. as heraldic shields, cast iron panels, pedestrian bank) and Wandsworth (centre of river to south It is the only central London Thames bridge pavements and night-time illumination. bank) but Chelsea Bridge, additionally, has the that retains its toll booths and has a distinctive Either side of the bridges the land is informal eastern portion of its north bank section within sign instructing troops to break step when greenspace with tree and shrub cover. the City of Westminster. crossing. It is also the only one of the three with a continuous pedestrian path that passes under 3.2 Albert and Chelsea Bridges have a similar the bridge. appearance with their suspension cables, and THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 21

Close up of Albert Bridge

Stairs from Chelsea Embankment to Albert Bridge Road and pedestrian walkways on Albert Bridge 22 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Battersea Bridge

3.5 Old Battersea Bridge was the first bridge in Chelsea and was built between 1771 and 1772. It was timber and although picturesque and depicted by local artists in their paintings, it was demolished in 1885, having become increasingly unsafe. The current Battersea Bridge was built by Joseph William Bazalgette and was officially opened in 1890. It is of five spans of unequal radii with stone piers that carry wrought iron spans.

View of Cheyne Walk and houseboats from Battersea Bridge

Pedestrian walkway on Battersea Bridge THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 23

View of Battersea Bridge from Cheyne Walk 24 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Chelsea Bridge LCC heraldic shield on Chelsea Bridge

3.7 On all four corners of the bridge there are Chelsea Bridge two heraldic shields: one of the LCC and one of the respective boroughs in which the bridge 3.6 Dating from 1935-7, this is the most lands. The shields are surmounted by golden recent of the three bridges. It replaced a bridge galleons. dating from 1851 that had been built on the site of a ferry crossing. It is a self-anchoring suspension bridge, the first of its kind in the UK, with an early use of high tensile steel for the cables. THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 25

View of Chelsea Bridge from Grosvenor Road (outside of conservation area) 26 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Chelsea Embankment, between Chelsea and Albert Bridges River wall west of Battersea Bridge

and completed in 1874. It has a dual function, unsuccessful lobbying of central government to River Wall and Chelsea as a thoroughfare along the river, but also as a embank the river as far as Cremorne. Embankment covering for the main low level sewer that serves west London. 3.10 The Chelsea Embankment changed Chelsea from a separate riverside village with 3.8 Chelsea Embankment from Battersea 3.9 West of Battersea Bridge, there is a historic buildings linked to the river with wharves, Bridge to a point opposite the south-western river wall that follows the natural curve of landing stairs and piers into a connected part of corner of the Royal Hospital grounds is an the Thames. It was built by the Metropolitan urban London carrying through traffic out to the esplanade retaining wall finished with hammer Borough of Chelsea in 1953-4 following previous west of London. dressed granite. It was built by J.W. Bazalgette THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 27

Chelsea Embankment, between Albert and Battersea Bridges 28 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL Other buildings

Cabman’s shelter The Cremorne Riverside Centre

3.11 There is a cabman’s shelter to the west little impact on the character or appearance of of Albert Bridge. It is the traditional London the area. It adjoins the more historic stock brick shelter design of vertically planked timber with building of the Chelsea Yacht and Boat Club. a pitched roof and is painted in their standard green colour. It is a rare survivor of an historic characteristic of the London streetscene and is expressive of the transport character of the area.

3.12 Within Cremorne Gardens, the Cremorne Riverside Centre operates from two award winning corten clad buildings that resemble upturned boats and are a distinctive quality addition to the riverside.

3.13 The park has a brick depot/office building that is a recessive utilitarian structure that makes THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 29

Chelsea Yacht and Boat Club 30 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL Boundary treatments

3.14 The hammer dressed granite wall of Chelsea Embankment is the most noticeable boundary treatment of the area providing a solid, firm edge to the river. Further west, the river is marked by a river wall and the wharf and industrial forecourts to the Lots Road Pumping Station and the former Lots Road Power Station.

3.15 The boundaries of the greenspaces in the area are poorly-defined. They are marked with coping stones, but many are broken or missing. In places they have been infilled with inappropriate concrete blocks.

3.16 The boundary of Cremorne Gardens with Lots Road is provided by a modern brick wall surmounted by modern metal railings painted black. There are also boundary metal railings around the greenspaces adjacent to Chelsea Boundary of Chelsea Embankment Gardens and Battersea Bridges. There are wooden gates to Chelsea Yacht and Boat Club, and metal railing gates to the Riverside Centre and to Cremorne Gardens.

Hammer dressed granite wall, Chelsea Embankment Restored original gates of Cremorne Gardens THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 31

Metal railings, Battersea Bridge Gardens 32 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL 4 Public Realm

Trees at Chelsea Embankment Gardens Trees at Cremorne Gardens

4.2 The planted areas known collectively as Trees Chelsea Embankment Gardens are managed by the Council. Containing a mixture of mature 4.1 The tree cover of the Thames trees and shrubs these areas provide a Conservation Area is dominated by the mature useful green barrier reducing noise and traffic London Plane trees Platanus x hispanica pollution from the busy Chelsea Embankment. growing along the Embankment. The trees are Within these gardens can be found excellent owned and maintained by Transport for London mature specimens of Holm Oak Quercus ilex, and are the continuation of this tree planting Common Walnut Juglans regia, Tree of Heaven along the riverside from Blackfriars all the way Ailanthus altissima and at least two examples to Cremorne Gardens. The section of trees of the Weeping Wych Elm Ulmus glabra planted opposite Battersea Park is particularly ‘Camperdownii’. impressive when viewed from Albert Bridge or the river itself. Some are younger smaller trees that have been planted in succession to felled diseased or damaged trees. THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 33

London Plane trees, Chelsea Embankment London Plane trees, Cheyne Walk 34 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL Street Furniture

K2 telephone box, Albert Bridge Albert Bridge notice Cast iron globe street lamps, Chelsea Embankment

TELEPHONE BOX STREET LIGHTING lamp posts, those on Battersea Bridge are either grouped branches of lights on a standard or 4.3 There is a listed K2 telephone box on 4.4 The regularly placed decorative cast iron standards with single lamps and Chelsea Bridge Albert Bridge next to one of the toll booths and lamp standards on the embankment wall are a is decorated with sets of lamp posts topped with a notice instructing troops to break step when key feature of the streetscene and their regular model galleons. crossing. There is plaque recording the opening rhythm is a critical part of the character of the 4.6 Chelsea Embankment Gardens contain of the bridge in 1874. This street furniture, the riverside. The lamp is a glass globe and it is lamp posts that are reflective of the design listed statues to either side, including the statue surmounted by a black painted metal crown of Chelsea Embankment’s lamp posts. The of climbing figures surmounted by a light and feature. The vehicular carriageway is lit by tall lamp standard of climbing figures positioned the traditional cabman’s shelter, form a visually modern street lights. near Albert Bridge that records the opening rich and pleasing streetscape around the bridge 4.5 Each of the bridges has lamp standards. of Chelsea Embankment is a key feature that contributes positively to the character of the (with its matching counterpart in Cheyne conservation area. Those on Albert Bridge are decorative single THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 35

Bench, Chelsea Embankment

Street lamps, Chelsea Bridge Street lamps, Battersea Bridge

Conservation Area) of the historic importance iron lamp standards on the embankment wall. of the embankment. The view looking upriver Many of the plinths have inset circular metal from Whistler’s Statue next to Battersea Bridge plaques with dedications relating to the benches’ provides a remarkable vista. restoration in the late 20th century.

4.8 Benches within the public gardens are of BENCHES a less elaborate design than those on Chelsea Embankment but are also wooden and of 4.7 At regular intervals along the pavement traditional appearance. are benches that are raised on Yorkstone plinths. They have wooden slatted seats and cast iron mid-span support and ends in the shape of sphinxes. They form an ensemble with the cast Bench, Chelsea Embankment Gardens 36 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

PLAQUES AND SIGNS

4.9 The visual richness of the surfaces of the conservation area is enhanced by historic individual and small plaques and fixtures. There is a Port of London Authority metal plaque on the embankment wall that records the flood level of the major 1928 flood and a discreet plaque records the opening of Albert Bridge. A small Thames Path roundel with the acorn brand has also been fixed onto the Chelsea Embankment street sign. Redundant, colourful or dominant signs can detract from the conservation area’s appearance.

Thames Path roundel Street name sign

RIBA regional architects award plaque Plaque of major 1928 flood Plaque recording the opening of Albert Bridge THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 37

engineering project of the embankment. The PUBLIC ART AND STATUARY tall height of the cast iron columns is to draw vapours off the sewer to discharge them at 4.10 Public Art makes a great contribution high level. They are decorative in design with a to the character and appearance of the tapering fluted base that is ringed with a lotus conservation area and the pieces have leaf frieze. considerable artistic significance in their own right. There are many statues within the conservation area principally within the Chelsea Embankment Gardens but also in the greenspaces alongside the bridges. Notable examples, such as the statue of Thomas Carlyle, are also statutorily listed.

4.11 Details can be found in the Council’s guide, On public view: A journey around the Sculpture of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea by David Nolan and Caroline Starren available on our website.

4.12 A recent addition to public art in the area is the installation on the Tree of Heaven in Cremorne Gardens that also serves as nesting boxes for wildlife.

BOLLARDS

4.13 There are bollards on the pavement close to Albert Bridge. They are modern but being of traditional design and colour, fit with the character of the conservation area

SEWER VENTS

4.14 There are five sewer vents in the conservation area and two are statutorily listed. They are the visible reminder of the major Statue of Thomas Carlyle 38 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Tree of Heaven public art installation

Statue on a column Modern cast iron bollards Sewer vents THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 39 Street Surfacing HISTORIC PAVING

4.15 Chelsea Embankment is largely paved in riven York stone but there are also sections of pavements in the conservation area that are concrete slab paving. Many of the kerbs are in granite. Where the York stone and granite survives, these are of the greatest heritage significance to the conservation area.

Granite kerbs and concrete slab paving

Riven York stone Granite setts Riven York stone 40 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL Views and Landmarks

4.16 Views form an important part of the character of the conservation area that is desirable to preserve or enhance. Here are some examples of views in the Thames Conservation Area: • Views from Battersea Bridge of the houseboats. The collection of houseboats is an established part of the character and appearance of the area, with lively shapes and colours. The combination of their low height and moorings being in two parts with a gap mean that these structures that do not block appreciation of the river. • Views of Cadogan Pier and its moorings from Albert Bridge and from Chelsea Embankment. • Views from Chelsea Embankment and Cheyne Walk of the Thames bridges. • Views, kinetic, from the bridges, and View eastward from Old Ferry Wharf stationary looking at the Embankment • Views from the carriageways of the bridges up Beaufort Street, Oakley Street and Chelsea Bridge Road • View into the Royal Hospital • View of Chelsea parish church tower • Linear views up and down the Embankment pavement showing the line of lamp standards and avenue of plane trees • Views from the riverside promenade of Cremorne Gardens back to the bridges, houseboats and river • Views from the south bank of both the Cheyne Walk houses and the Embankment further east. • Views of the riverside when on river transport (kinetic). • The remarkable vista looking upriver from Whistler’s Statue next to Battersea Bridge. Views of houseboats and Cheyne Walk from the River Bus service THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 41

View from gaps in houseboats off Cheyne Walk View of Cadogan Pier from Battersea Bridge

View of Albert Bridge from Chelsea Embankment View westward from Chelsea Bridge 42 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Views

Cabman’s shelter with faded paintwork

5.1 This section itemises some of the deteriorating condition with faded paintwork and 5.4 A number of the feature metal studs negative elements that detract from the blocked gutters. Timely cyclical maintenance of embedded in the top of the retaining wall of the character and appearance of the conservation these would be beneficial to the appearance of staircases and abutments of Battersea Bridge area and sets out some opportunities for the area. are missing and their reinstatement would be a enhancement. The National Planning Policy visual benefit to the listed bridge. Framework and the Council’s policies require 5.3 Some of the existing statuary are replica opportunities to be taken when and where pieces replacing stolen originals. The Boy David 5.5 The boundaries of the public greenspaces possible to enhance the significance of heritage on the granite pier in Chelsea Embankment are poorly-defined. The original coping stones assets. Gardens is a fibreglass copy and Atalanta on or kerbs are broken or missing and in places the west side of Albert Bridge is a replacement poorly-matched concrete coping stones have 5.2 Generally, the overall condition of of 1994. The statue Boy with a Cat at the south been laid. the conservation area is good, with the end of Lawrence Street in the gardens has not built structures and gardens benefiting from been replaced following its theft, leaving only a 5.6 The national trail, the Thames Path, suitable maintenance. Exceptions are some Portland stone plinth with its worn inscription. currently diverts from the riverside into Lots of the Chelsea Embankment benches and the Replacing the statue on a restored plinth would Road and arrangements to keep the trail at the Cabman’s shelter which is showing signs of a enhance the area. river’s edge west of Cremorne Gardens would 6 Enhancement

44 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Missing metal studs on top of retaining wall Missing original coping stones Poorly matched concrete coping stones enhance pedestrian experience of the riverside bridges would aid pedestrians including those 5.9 The bus shelters on Chelsea character of the conservation area, as would a using the national trail. Embankment have also recently been reduction in the amount of vehicular traffic using changed and now display internally illuminated Chelsea Embankment and Cheyne Walk. 5.8 There are two large internally illuminated advertisements. Reversion to plain bus shelters dynamic advertisements at the intersection of without advertisements would fit better with the 5.7 The riverside path currently has to rise to Lots Road, Cheyne Walk and Cremorne Road area. cross Chelsea and Battersea Bridges and there displayed within tall vertically planked timber is no public access to the green and treed space hoardings. These are visually dominant and out 5.10 Currently the Transport for London river on the west side of Chelsea Bridge. Adaptation of scale with the fine grain historic terraces of bus at Cadogan Pier provides a very limited of the bridges and river wall to allow continuous Lots Road and the lively small scale appearance weekday only rush hour service on their only access, provided this were structurally and of the moored houseboats adjacent. Their route between central and south-west London. visually appropriate, might enhance the area. removal and the replacement of the timber Better use of river transport through provision Phased pedestrian crossing signals at the hoarding with a discreet brick boundary would of a frequent daily service from Cadogan Pier enhance the visual amenity of the area. and points further west, for travel across London THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 45

Illuminated electronic advertisement boards Recently installed bus shelters with illuminated advertisements might help alleviate the effect of the heavy traffic design and river dominance. Development on infrastructure in this location. The Thames in the conservation area. the south bank of the Thames can also affect the Tideway Tunnel is an engineering project to help conservation area and the large block of sinuous with flood defence and sewer capacity. It will run 5.11 The conservation area’s general glass riverside flats adjacent to Albert Bridge is across the borough’s river frontage and will have openness and the key importance of views in not representative of the finer grain scale of the an impact in the area whilst in its construction and out of it mean that surrounding development conservation area opposite and the delicacy of phase. can have a negative impact on its character the structure of the bridge. and setting. Recent developments of the new 5.13 There are a number of statutory tall buildings at Lots Road Power Station are 5.12 At the time of writing (2017), construction undertakers’ cabinets and Council storage adversely affecting the panoramas of the of the Thames Tideway Tunnel is in its containers in the area. Whilst necessary Thames by protruding visually in the centre preparatory stages and land to the west in the streetscene, their appearance could spans of Albert and Battersea Bridges. The of Chelsea Bridge is sectioned off. A new be improved if they are reduced in number view of the bridges in the downstream direction pedestrian accessible river viewing plaza is and placed in unobtrusive positions and it is is adversely affected by the recently built going to be built into the river opposite the important that maintenance continues to keep cylindrical Vauxhall Tower, again protruding Bull Ring Embankment entrance to the Royal them in good visual order. in their centre spans. This detracts from their Hospital as part of the legacy of the required 46 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

Views of Battersea Bridge protuded by new tall buildings at Lots Road Views of Chelsea Bridge protruded by Vauxhall Tower

5.14 Road transport signage and other signage should be kept under review and consolidated or removed if no longer needed.

Bicycle storage racks Council storage containers in poor condition THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 47 Appendix 1: History HISTORY OF CHELSEA RIVERSIDE

6.1 There is a plethora of information and books on the history of Chelsea. In relation to the history of the riverside, the History of the County of Middlesex in the Victoria County series contains information from which the section below is taken.

6.2 The River Thames was central to Chelsea’s development and was probably its earliest means of communication with London and other Thames side settlements. The importance of the river is shown by the number of private wharves for its citizens to keep barges for their transport: the Rector had a wharf beside his Rectory in 1388 and Sir Thomas More had one by c.1525 and kept a barge for travel to Westminster. In 1705 the journey to London by boat or by coach took less than one hour.

6.3 Before the building of Battersea Bridge, travellers crossing the river were transported by watermen or by ferry. In 1808 and 1812 plying places where watermen could pick up passengers were opposite Lawrence Street where there were small stairs, opposite the Yorkshire Grey by Manor Street where there were wooden stairs and a good causeway and at the original ferry place at the bottom of Danvers Street where there were 8-foot-wide brick stairs alongside a brick wall and a dock 20 Fig 6.1: Davie’s map of 1841 Reproduction thanks to RBKC Local Studies and Archives feet wide. companies serving London Bridge to Chelsea 6.4 A steamboat served Chelsea by 1816 with a service four times an hour. and peaked in popularity in the 1840s when there was intense competition amongst boat companies and there were eight steamboat 48 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

PIERS

6.5 The following information on piers is also from the History of the County of Middlesex

6.6 “There was insufficient accommodation on the riverbank for the boats in the 1840s and piers were built into the Thames to accommodate them. Cremorne Gardens had its own landing place, with a regular service from London…. In 1840 Old Swan pier and Chelsea Mall pier served the steamboats, but by 1841 Earl Cadogan had erected Cadogan pier in Cheyne Walk, designed by N. Handford, catering for a large number of summer passengers… In 1846 Chelsea improvement commission believed that additional piers were still needed,…but provision for piers in plans for the embankment c. 1852 was not put into effect. … Another pier was built east of Battersea Bridge by 1865, .. known as Chelsea and later as Carlyle pier; it was presumably rebuilt following completion of the embankment in 1874… Cadogan pier was also rebuilt c. 1875 to accommodate Albert Bridge. … By 1894 Victoria pier had been put up near the Royal Hospital, just outside the parish’s eastern boundary, …but was disused in 1901. …The LCC acquired Cadogan pier from the Thames Conservancy Board and Carlyle pier from the Thames Steamboat Company and repaired them in 1905; passengers travelling higher up the river changed boats at Cadogan pier, but Fig 6.2: Map of 1869 © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100021668 services operated from Carlyle for only a few months. …All three piers survived in 1963, … private charter services operated from it in 2000 but only Cadogan pier still stood in 1996 when it ” A History of the County of Middlesex was bought by Cadogan Pier (Chelsea) Limited from the Port of London Authority. …Public and THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 49

Old Ferry Wharf, photo by James Hedderly Reproduction thanks to RBKC Local Studies and Archives 50 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

The original timber Battersea Bridge, photo by James Hedderly Reproduction thanks to RBKC Local Studies and Archives THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 51

RIVER CROSSINGS

6.7 Battersea Bridge was the first bridge crossing in the area and was built between 1771- 1772. It was a timber bridge that was 28 feet wide and had so many piers that the bridge was considered a hazard for passing shipping. It was the last surviving timber bridge in London and is famously represented in the works of local artists such as JMW Turner and Whistler, including the latter’s Nocturne in Blue and Gold- Old Battersea Bridge that is now in Tate Britain.

6.8 The next bridge to be built was Chelsea Bridge, originally called Victoria Bridge and was a suspension bridge. It was begun in 1851 and opened in 1858 by Queen Victoria. It linked the north bank with the newly-created Battersea Park on the south bank. Its tolls were thought to make poor industrial workers in Chelsea, an area with few parks, disinclined to cross to benefit from the park and there were demonstrations against the imposition of tolls.

6.9 The proposed opening of Albert Bridge had led to the owners of Battersea Bridge successfully petitioning to have the promoters buy their bridge. When Albert Bridge opened in 1874 it caused a drop in usage of Chelsea Bridge. Ownership of Chelsea Bridge transferred in 1877 to the Metropolitan Board of Works (the MBW). The MBW then bought Battersea and Fig 6.3: Map of 1896 © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100021668 Albert Bridges in 1879 when all three bridges were declared toll free. bridges in 1858. The roadway is a rigid girder the river following concerns about the bridge’s supported by straight inclined chains, which are stability. In the 1970s, in response to further 6.10 Built in 1873, Albert Bridge was designed anchored to the two original pairs of piers. In concerns, a two-ton weight limit was imposed for by Rowland Mason Ordish who had patented his the 1950s the Greater London Council added vehicles crossing. straight chain system for supporting suspension two additional piers in the centre of the span in 52 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL

6.11 The current Battersea and Chelsea Bridges are both replacement structures. Battersea was rebuilt in the 1880s to a design by Bazalgette and opened in 1890 by Lord Rosebery. Victoria Bridge was renamed as Chelsea Bridge in 1861: concerns about its stability had led to careful dissociation with the royal family. Eventually the concerns led to its total rebuilding in 1935. It was designed by the London County Council (LCC) engineers’ department led by Sir T Peirson Frank with consulting engineers Rendell Tritton and Palmer and consulting architect George Topham Forrest. It gained funding from central government with the undertaking that all of its materials were to be sourced from within the British Empire. In recognition of Canada’s contribution of timber, the Canadian Prime Minister opened the bridge in 1937.

CHELSEA EMBANKMENT

6.12 The history of the repair and maintenance of Chelsea’s riverside walls is full of disputes and includes calls made by the vestry in 1815 for the Lord of the Manor and neighbouring freeholders to repair the dangerous wall opposite Lindsey House. Various schemes for embanking the river in Chelsea were made in the 19th century but early schemes failed to be implemented. Fig 6.4: Map of 1915 © Crown copyright and database rights 2018 Ordnance Survey 100021668 6.13 In 1853-7, the north bank of the river from the centre as far west as Ranelagh Gardens was as far as Battersea Bridge. The Bazalgette the demolition of buildings in Duke Street and embanked and a turning circle was provided at engineered scheme was built between 1871 and Lombard Street, the removal of wharves and its termination point. The Metropolitan Board 1874 and became the Chelsea Embankment. stairs into the river and thus fundamentally of Works (the MBW) was keen to continue the It reclaimed 9 ½ acres from the river and altered the character of Chelsea by separating it works and obtained an Act in 1868 to progress provided a 70-foot-wide roadway. It entailed from the river. THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 53

6.14 Nonetheless, the vestry lobbied to have it extended further west. From 1872 the plan they promoted to the MBW and then the LCC was to extend it to Cremorne Gardens. This was eventually rejected by parliamentary committee in 1897, largely on aesthetic grounds. Until 1951 there were various plans to embank the river west of Battersea Bridge, one to extend as far as Putney Bridge, but the Council was opposed by local amenity groups and residents and eventually from 1953-4 the river wall was instead rebuilt on the natural river edge.

Chelsea Embankment under construction, photo by James Hedderly Reproduction thanks to RBKC Local Studies and Archives THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 55

Kensington and Chelsea

Fig 6.6: Archeological Priority Areas

© Crown copyright and database rights 2018 OS 100021668 56 | THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL Appendix 2: Historic England Guidance Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and • Is it associated with a designed Conservation and Energy Efficiency Management: Historic England Advice Note 1 landscape eg a significant wall, (2016) terracing or a garden building? Historic England have produced useful guidance • Does it individually, or as part of a on how homeowners can improve energy This guidance sets out ways to manage change group, illustrate the development of efficiency and reduce carbon emmissions whilst in a way that conserves and enhances historic the settlement in which it stands? still respecting the historic and architectural areas through conservation area designation, • Does it have significant historic significance of their properties. For more appraisal and management. association with features such as the information follow this link: historic road layout, burgage plots, a https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/ town park or a landscape feature? https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/your-home/ publications/conservation-area-designation- • Does it have historic associations saving-energy/ appraisal-management-advice-note-1/ with local people or past events? • Does it reflect the traditional functional Archaeological Priority Areas (APA) The checklist below has been taken from this character or former uses in the area? publication and has helped to identify the • Does its use contribute to the character Further information on the archaeological buildings that make a positive contribution to or appearance of the area? the historic and architectural character of the significance of the APA within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are outlined in conservation area. Additional criteria set by the Council: their Archaeological Priority Areas Appraisal • Is the building the work of a • Does the building have architectural, document, available on Historic England’s particular architect or designer historical, archaeological, evidential, website. of regional or local note? artistic or communal significance • Does it have landmark quality? that contributes to the character or https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/ • Does it reflect a substantial number appearance of the conservation area? planning/apa-kensington-chelsea-pdf/ of other elements in the conservation • Has the building retained its original design, area in age, style, materials, form materials, features and setting or ones that or other characteristics? are appropriate to its style and period? • Does it relate to adjacent designated • Does it contribute to the evolution and heritage assets in age, materials or in diversity of the conservation area any other historically significant way? • Was it built by an important local • Does it contribute positively to the setting builder or one who also built other of adjacent designated heritage assets? significant buildings in the area? • Does it contribute to the quality of recognisable spaces including exteriors or open spaces with a complex of public buildings? THAMES CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL | 57 Appendix 3: Relevant Local Plan Policies The table opposite indicates those policies in the Royal Borough’s Local Plan, which have Chapter 33: An Engaging Public Realm particular relevance to the preservation and enhancement of the conservation area. Policy CR4 Streetscape These policies are the primary means through which the Council ensures that proposed Policy CR5 Parks, Gardens, Open Space and Waterways development within designated conservation areas preserve or enhance the area’s character Policy CR6 Trees and Landscape and appearance. This list is not comprehensive and any Chapter 34: Renewing the Legacy development proposals will have to take account of the whole suite of policies contained within Policy CL1 Context and Character the Council’s Local Plan. Please consult the Council’s website. Policy CL 2 Design Quality

Policy CL3 Heritage Assets – Conservation Areas and Historic Spaces

Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Policy CL 4 Archaeology

Policy CL 6 Small Scale Alterations and Additions

Policy CL7 Basements

Policy CL8 Existing Buildings – Roof Alteration/Additional Storeys

Policy CL9 Existing Buildings – Extensions and Modifications

Policy CL10 Shopfronts

Policy CL11 Views

Policy CL12 Building Heights